Superb build quality and although I am a wide angle snob, this lens does perform really well in low distortion, great corner to corner sharpness, and excellent control over CA overall. It is an expensive lens for this category of camera, but it does put the Pen into a professional level with this and the 45mm F/1.8. I've already begun using this lens professionally in my work and very satisfied with the results.

My only beef is the lack of lens hood or pouch. For the price you pay for this lens, it should have definitely included the pouch.

I did mention the pointless wide aperture. One of the things that I was attracted to this lens was the wide aperture. It is beneficial in using it in low light photography, but if you were hoping to use this as an environmental portrait lens, the F/2 just doesn't really cut it. You need to get very close to the subject to really isolate the background much, and by that point, you may as well just give your subject a kiss while you're at it. However that said, it is still possible to get a nice background blur when you plan it out, for the most part, I wouldn't use it in this way much.

The snap focus is my favourite thing about this lens. I think Olympus needs to include this feature in all of its lens designs from this day forward. For street photography this makes it a joy to use, and zone focusing with this lens and the Pen is that much easier to do.

CFBSr

Registered: September 2011Posts: 1

Olympus 12mm f/2 ED M.Zuiko Digital review by CFBSr

Review Date: 9/6/2011

Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $799.00| Rating: 10

Pros:

Manual focus easy with stops at both ends

Cons:

Have to buy expensive shade

Light and comfortable, the 12mm Zuiko is a dream. Feels even better than old fashioned lenses. Sharp from lowest to highest aperture and smooth operation. Very high recommend.

aaxx

Registered: August 2011Posts: 1

Olympus 12mm f/2 ED M.Zuiko Digital review by aaxx

Review Date: 8/11/2011

Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 10